I’m so excited you’ve decided to join us as we journey through two beautiful, elaborate projects! Ready to get started?

Okay first things first! Let’s talk supplies! We all LOVE our art supplies and I encourage you to use what you have for these creations. If you want to splurge on some new stuff, I’m not going to stop you but I bet you have a pretty healthy stash already right?

What you are going to absolutely need (if you don’t already have) are encaustic supplies. So, let me go over the wax set up in this video and then we can talk about a little shopping list.

Plaster Demo

Okay so now that you have your wax supplies and understand set up let’s move on to plastering our wood boards.

Wait….so you may ask why are we using plaster on our substrate? Good question!

Let me fill you in - plaster is a wonderful surface to work on and has been used as an artistic surface of choice for centuries! It has a luminescent quality due to the gypsum it is created with. Gypsum is a soft white or gray mineral consisting of hydrated calcium sulfate. It kinda sparkles in the light and when combined with the glowing quality of wax can produce some gorgeous effects! You will love the way paint behaves on it and just wait for that wax layer! So lovely! Okay, so now you know a little more about why I love to use plaster.

You could mix up Plaster of Paris but for ease I have been using pre-mixed Joint Compound.

Prepare Your Board!

Now you know how to set up your wax and plaster your board. Sweet. Get that done so we can get on to the really fun stuff. Remember to let your board dry for 24 hours!

WHIMSICAL PORTRAIT PROJECT

STARTING OUT

We are going to start with the Whimsical Portrait project. Now, you don’t have to start here. You could do the landscape project first. It’s totally up to you! I have taught both projects completely so they stand alone. The portrait project is more involved so pick whichever suits your mood, time and interest the most. Remember you have access to these videos indefinitely so take your time.

I have split up the videos into 30 minute parts. That way you have a good place to stop, take a break and get a cup of tea. :) These projects will take time so pace yourself and remember if you get to a place where you are unsure reach out to me or a fellow student. I am here to help and you will find our creative group most willing to assist too!

Here is the supply list for the first project. Gather up your goods and get ready to jump in.

Pinterest Inspiration

Let’s get started…

For your inspiration and pleasure I have curated a lovely Pinterest board with many gorgeous faces and landscapes to use! Obviously, these are other peoples photos so be respectful and remember that we are only using these as a starting point. They will look very different after we paint over them.

Color Palette

Before we begin our projects I also wanted to let you in on a little tip that works wonders for me. Start your project out with a defined color palette! You will see me do this in the videos. It provides a wonderful road map to your creation! I have curated beautiful color palettes that I love on Pinterest. Here is a link to my Color Palette Board or just click the image.

Design Seeds

Also I have a love affair with a site called Design Seeds. Go there for an endless stream of color delights!

Download Image

Here is the image I used…you are welcome to use it for your project or choose a different one.

Image TranSfer

Okay so now you have picked out your face and have laser print or toner based photocopy of it. We are almost ready but first, a quick word on image transfers.

As many of you probably know there are many techniques to getting an image transferred. In this class, I show you a technique where you use a colorless blender marker to get your photocopy to transfer. IF you would rather not use a smelly marker or just can’t find one you can always do a simple matte medium transfer. I made a video to show you how to do that.

PORTRAIT VIDEO : PART 2

Portrait Video : Part 3

PORTRAIT VIDEO : PART 4

So how did it go?

Make sure that if you have questions to ask me and your fellow classmates too. We are all here to help support and encourage each other. Also don’t forget to share your creations in the forum below or in the Facebook group! If you Instagram your work tag it with #whimsicalportraitsdreamylandscapes

I can’t wait to see what you create!

Dreamy Landscapes

STARTING OUT

Alright...we are having a ton of fun so let’s move on to the Landscape Project. Get your second board all plastered up and ready to go! Select your landscape image photocopy or laser print out and let’s transfer that.

Here are the images I used for my project. Again you are welcome to use these or find ones that resonate with you.

Let’s get started…

DREAMY LANDSCAPES : PART 1

DREAMY LANDSCAPES : PART 2

Isn’t it fun to create these layered pieces! So much texture and interest! Share your work so we can see! :)

Okay so this was going to be the end of our class together BUT I couldn’t resist doing a few more projects with you!

Bonus Projects!

I’m really excited about these two little bonus projects! They are really fun and we will be working on them simultaneously. It can be very handy to have two projects going at once especially when using wax since you often have to let your work cool before moving on to another step. This way we keep moving and stay in the creative flow!

BONUS PROJECT 1

Let me tell you a little bit more about these super fun Bonus Projects….one will show you how to incorporate your own photography into a mixed media collage PLUS we will be using yummy, gorgeous, shining GOLD leaf! Can you tell I am kinda, sorta in love with it! Yah...I think you are going to LOVE it! If you don’t have any photos you want to use feel free to use magazine images, scrapbook paper or any other collage element that makes you happy.

BONUS PROJECT 2

The second project also builds on the techniques you’ve learned, plus I show you how to embed 3D objects right into the wax! It’s very cool!

As for materials, you will need two small boards. I used 5” x 5” cradled wood boards but any rigid substrate will work. We will be using most of the supplies that we have been with the addition of gold leaf and dental floss! I know that sounds like an odd combo...but trust me it will be very awesome. Also, you may want to locate a little trinket, jewel or 3D object that you will be embedding into the wax.

Okay let’s begin!

Bonus Project 1

BONUS PROJECT 2

So what did you think about the Gold leaf? Crazy delicate but so pretty right? Well, my creative friends... this concludes my Mixed Media & Encaustic workshop. I hope you have enjoyed your journey with me! I look forward to seeing some of your creations in the Facebook group, Instagram or join the class forum below!

CLOSING

Please remember that I am here to assist you in any way I can but also don’t hesitate to reach out to your fellow students. I want to encourage a loving, encouraging and supportive community within our classes. So connect, share and help to inspire others. That’s one of the magical things about online learning!